How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors

There are quite a few myths about hardwood floors, and one of the most common is that they require constant maintenance. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! Hardwood flooring continues to be one of the most popular choices for Belleville homeowners because it requires very little upkeep compared to carpet—and while it may not have the same moisture resistance as tile and stone, hardwood can be polished and refinished, making it a smart long-term investment.

The hardwood experts at Floor Coverings International Metro East want you to rest easy knowing that your hardwood floors will increase the value of your Belleville home and last for years to come, so we’ve put together this useful guide about how to clean your floors. Of course, the amount and type of cleaning you do will vary depending on the volume of traffic in your space, so we recommend reading with an eye for how to adapt these guidelines into a routine that’s efficient and logical for you. Let’s get started!

Daily Routine

We know it can be hard to muster the energy after a long day, but daily sweeping or dust-mopping significantly lengthens the life of your hardwood because it reduces the dirt and debris that wears down the finish of your floors.

Choose a microfiber dust mop or a broom with soft bristles for best results. Microfiber dust mops will trap smaller particles and allergens, decreasing the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home. While some vacuums are okay on hardwood, make sure yours doesn’t use a beater-bar.

Weekly Routine

Time to get out the mop! And no, we’re not talking about that hardcore janitorial mop that sloshes water everywhere. Remember that hardwood is porous, so excessive water will seep between the seams and cause buckling, warping, or cracks (which can lead to costly repairs).

The best thing you can do is to find a specially formulated hardwood cleaner in a spray bottle. Lightly misting your floors as you scrub with a microfiber mop should remove scuffs, sticky spots, and anything else that can’t be handled with a broom. In general, we suggest avoiding acidic DIY cleaners like vinegar and lemon, which can harm the finish on your floors.

Monthly/Bimonthly Routine

Though most people don’t know to do it, as part of your monthly routine you should consider polishing your hardwood floors. It’s actually quite easy! Check with your installer or manufacturer to find a reliable polish (they come in a bottle just like a regular floor cleaning solution), and spread it across your floor with an applicator to fill in cracks, renew your finish, and re-seal the wood. A little extra care goes a long way.

Learn More

Talk to the hardwood professionals at Floor Coverings International Metro East to learn more, or start your next project by scheduling a free, in-home consultation with our mobile showroom! Our team serves O'Fallon, Edwardsville, Belleville, and surrounding areas, so contact us to get started today!